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Multiple Maple Leafs provide honest opinions on recent waiver claim Troy Stecher
Photo credit: Nick Turchiaro | Imagn Images
Claimed off waivers out of necessity, Troy Stecher has quickly made an impact for the Leafs, earning rave reviews from his new teammates, including Auston Matthews.
A November to forget for the Leafs, paired with injuries to Brandon Carlo and Chris Tanev led to the Leafs needing to address their blue line.
Leafs claim Stecher off waivers from Oilers
Claimed off waivers on November 15th, Troy Stecher has quickly become one of the Leafs' most effective defensemen.
A personal matter for Simon Benoit led to Stecher being elevated into a top-four role on Saturday alongside Jake McCabe, which didn't phase the 31-year-old.
His play there on Saturday led to him being paired with McCabe at practice on Monday -- even with Benoit back.
Stecher earning praise from new teammates, including Auston Matthews
Through six games with the Leafs, Stecher hasn't done anything flashy, but he has provided the team with a stable defenseman who skates well.
Collecting an assist in each of his last two games, the Richmond, British Columbia native has earned praise from his new teammates.
"He stepped in and he's made an impact right away," captain Auston Matthews said. "I feel like he's fit in so well... He knows his role, and he just tries to the best of his ability."
On the verge of tying the franchise record point-streak for a defenseman, Oliver Ekman-Larsson echoed his captain's thoughts.
"Just a veteran pro. He leaves everything on the on the ice, and you know what you're getting every single game."
He's no Gustav Forsling, but Stecher may have stabilized the Leafs' blueline for now, and given them depth they didn't expect to have.
When Tanev and Carlo eventually return, the Leafs suddenly have three righties and three lefties, all of which can play up and down the lineup and in most situations.
The addition of Stecher also potentially frees up assets for GM Brad Treliving to continue to go after a higher-end top-six forward instead of having to split his assets to fill to a void on the blueline.
Heading into Florida on Tuesday, the Leafs will look to improve to 3-2 on their current road trip, and Stecher looks to play an important role in helping them achieve that.
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5 HOURS AGO | 116 ANSWERS Multiple Maple Leafs provide honest opinions on recent waiver claim Troy Stecher Does Troy Stecher's play give Brad Treliving the ability to go after a high-end top-six forward? | ||
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